Weddings Naturally at
Dodge Nature Center
Experience the wonders of nature on your special day. Peaceful prairies, natural wetlands, and native woodlands will be the setting for your unique wedding. Conveniently located only four miles from downtown St. Paul and 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis, Dodge offers several options for your perfect wedding day. Additionally, our wedding coordinator will be available to assist you from start to finish.
Below, please find the different options for a wedding at Dodge. Fees include the use of the specified space for your wedding ceremony. Additional fees apply if you choose a Dodge rental facility for your reception.
Prairie Wedding
This select location is situated on the edge of our beautiful prairie. An amphitheater provides seating for more than 80 guests with an additional 50 guests seated in chairs. The Cottage Conference Room provides an indoor space for wedding preparations. Price: $750
Little Red Schoolhouse Wedding
Overlooking the prairie and surrounding by woodlands, this site lends itself well to a larger group up to 200 guests and boasts two vintage buildings: the little red schoolhouse and the museum. Price: $600
Wetland Wedding
Invite egrets, blue herons, turtles, and waterfowl to your wedding. Get married on the boardwalk in the middle of a marsh. With a capacity of 40 guests, this beautiful location will never be forgotten. Price: $600
Farm Wedding
The Dodge Nature Center Farm contains a natural amphitheater with a charming traditional barnyard setting. The adjacent Farm Education Building provides the Aerie Room reception space for 110 guests, and includes a full catering kitchen. Price: $1,000. Fee includes rental of Farm Education Building for your reception.
Log Cabin Wedding
Outdoorsy couples will think this secluded site is the ultimate romantic paradise. Overlooking Lilly Pond, the site includes a screened gazebo and an 80-year-old cabin with modern facilities, and has capacity for 40 guests. An overnight stay in the cabin provides a cozy honeymoon retreat. Price: $600. Fees include overnight rental of Lilly Cabin.
Reception Facilities
Rental facilities are available for you to host your wedding reception at Dodge. Click here for more information, or talk to our wedding coordinator about the possibility of renting an outdoor space for your reception at the rate of $110 per hour.
Services
Wedding Coordinator
Dodge's wedding coordinator will work with you from start to finish on details related to the use of Dodge Nature Center property to ensure all of your expectations are met.
Set Up
Set-up and take-down for your wedding ceremony can be done at an additional charge of $50.
Fees for rental facilities include five-foot round tables and/or six-foot rectangular tables and chairs in the configuration of your choice.
Catering and Alcohol Policy
No catering is provided by Dodge Nature Center. Renters must provide their own linens and tableware. Facilities include the use of coffeemakers, but coffee, cups, and condiments are not included.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on Dodge property when students are present for programs. Arrangements for alcohol may be made in advance for specific evening events. If alcohol is to be sold or distributed, the caterer must have the appropriate liquor license or permit and liability insurance. If unable to get the correct license or permit and/or insurance coverage, you will not be allowed to serve alcohol at Dodge.
Additional Amenities
VCR and overhead projector are available for rent at $30 per day. An LCD projector is available for rent for $100 per day.
Deposits and Fees
A deposit of $200 is required to hold your reservation. Payment on the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the date of the event. This deposit is non-refundable if the wedding is cancelled less than 14 days before the event.
A $200 damage deposit is also required to hold your reservation. A charge will be made against this deposit should Dodge Nature Center property be damaged or a rule violated. Should no incidents occur, the deposit will be refunded in full after your event.
Contact Dave Napier at 651.455.4531 for more questions or to begin planning your wedding at Dodge Nature Center.
